Other reasons a samurai committed seppuku were to show contempt for an enemy; to protest against injustice; as a means to get their lord to reconsider an unwise or unworthy action; and as a means to save others.”
I was contemplating on the manner by which former Secretary Angelo Reyes ended his life.
I have read so many brilliant articles written about it, and yet here I am, an ordinary mortal puzzled in a way, by his death.
When the institution I have provided lectures on Gender Sensitivity; Public Speaking; and Leadership from August-October last year, asked me to submit my final examination questions on the subject leadership two weeks back, you can be sure I had a question formulated about the suicide of then Secretary Reyes. I asked my police students to use the leadership lens.
Naturally, I had varied reactions and answers. It was a excellent exercise both for them and myself. They were able to express their views openly without fear and reservation.
If you are a soldier - an official at that, you are a warrior. A warrior is a samurai.
My readings say that “Other reasons a samurai committed seppuku were to show contempt for an enemy; to protest against injustice; as a means to get their lord to reconsider an unwise or unworthy action; and as a means to save others.”
If one were to analyze that, a warrior’s seppuku or hara-kiri then could be attributed to any one of the above reasons; two or three of the above reasons; or all of the above.
Relating to what former Secretary Reyes did, was it a silent but loud protest against the injustice he felt and was subjected to? Or a means to save others? Or both?
My job is not to moralize.
I give you room to self-debate.
